 |
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Hyundai Motor Company achieved a fifth consecutive year of record retail sales in the United States, demonstrating resilient growth despite market challenges such as tariffs and slowing electric vehicle demand.
According to Hyundai Motor America on January 4, the company sold 772,712 vehicles on a retail basis in the U.S. last year, marking an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Total U.S. sales reached 901,686 units, up 8% year-on-year and setting a third consecutive annual record.
December sales also hit record levels, with total sales rising 1% to 78,930 units. Retail sales increased 3%, marking the strongest December performance in the brand’s history.
Hyundai surpassed 900,000 units in annual U.S. sales for the first time since it entered the market nearly 40 years ago with the export of the Excel model in 1986. Including Genesis sales of approximately 82,000 units, combined volumes approached the one-million-unit mark.
Hybrid vehicles played a key role in driving growth. December hybrid sales surged 71% year-on-year to a monthly record, while fourth-quarter hybrid sales rose 52%. Strong demand was seen across models including Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade.
SUVs also delivered solid results. Combined December retail sales of the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade rose 8%, while total sales increased 10%. Full-year sales of the Palisade grew 13% to 123,929 units, Santa Fe rose 20% to 142,404 units, and Tucson increased 14% to 234,230 units.
Electrified vehicles accounted for about 30% of Hyundai’s U.S. retail sales last year. While Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 sales were adjusted amid market conditions, the launch of the new Ioniq 9 helped reinforce Hyundai’s flexible electrification strategy.
Industry observers note that Hyundai’s balanced approach—emphasizing hybrids and core SUV models while adjusting its EV portfolio—has strengthened its competitive position in the volatile U.S. market.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
